Blue Plate Special

Will Bernard (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 30, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Palmetto Records
• ASIN: B001E08TC6
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #191,354 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

This one grooves hard and will draw the attention of music fans from all walks of life! Will is joined by and all-star cast including Stanton Moore (Galactic), John Medeski (MMW), and Andy Hess for a smoking session called Blue Plate Special! - Djouls.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars That's what I call a super-group!, October 1, 2008

By 

jubster "guitar funk" (Seattle) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Blue Plate Special (Audio CD)

Dirty and funky, as you'd expect when you get these superstar groove masters in the same recording studio. There's so much going on in each track that you'll never want to go back to normal funk bands. On tracks like 571, it seems like Bernard and Medeski are seeing who can add the most grit and color to their parts. Yet Bernard's compositional chromaticism and catchy hooks are still there. And Moore is a BEAST on drums, always a great compliment of swinging intelligent beats. Really, this is a special album.

Let's just hope this isn't a one-time meeting of the greats.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Jazz-funksters playing solid jazz-funk, July 24, 2009

By 

Anthony Cooper (Louisville, KY United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Blue Plate Special (Audio CD)

Will Bernard is known to me from playing on two of Stanton Moore's jazz-funk CD's. For Will's jazz-funk CD, Stanton Moore returns the favor on drums, John Medeski plays keys, and Andy Hess is on bass. The band all has lots of experience in the genre, and they deliver. Medeski is a bit of a wild card, especially on "571", but he avoids any MM&W-style wild detours. He also uses a full arsenal of organ, electric piano, and acoustic piano - sometimes in the same song. Will Bernard is a tasteful and talented guitarist who doesn't get too fancy with "Blue Plate Special". It's the musical equivalent of comfort food, and still recommended.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a sleeping beauty, April 14, 2009

By 

The Delite Rancher (Phoenix, Arizona) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Blue Plate Special (Audio CD)

After being wooed by a live recording of this band, I had to go out and buy this CD. Having enthusiastically played it a few dozens times, it's become a new favorite. While I adore "Blue Plate Special," I also want to dispel any misconceptions: this group doesn't reinvent the wheel. With jamband connective tissue, this is garden variety instrumental rock with strong infusions of jazz and funk. The formula has been used extensively with mixed results. This dynamic isn't necessarily a drawback. While there may be nothing obviously remarkable about "Blue Plate Special," it somehow found its way under my skin. I'm surprised since the improvisation doesn't consistently sparkle and the compositions aren't all that interesting. Indeed, there are few highlights or power solos to write home about. (One exception is 'Gen Pop' -that's the tune that gets my 'repeat' button most often. Then again, it's also a ton of fun to hear a ska version of MMW's 'Gonzo.') This is one of those unexpected recordings that with time bcomes part of your DNA. Live, these guys played a fabulous retelling of 'Day Tripper.' My only regret about "Blue Plate Special" is that this Beatles' song wasn't recorded for the album. A sleeper is something that becomes unexpectedly important after a period of being unnoticed. After a few listens, this album emerges as a sleeping beauty. Don't expect to be blown away, but do expect a fun ride with real staying power. At the end of the day, it may all come down to the chemistry between Will Bernard, Stanton Moore, John Medeski and Andy Hess. These guys come together to play the ultimate groove. Get "Blue Plate Special" and share in the groove.